Sound Off

“Sound Off” is a forum to spur dialogue from residents of the many communities we serve on topics of interest in those communities. Fair game are comments that raise issues of note or amplify ongoing debates.

We will not publish comments that are potentially libelous, slanderous, vulgar or inappropriate. Publication of “Sound Off” comments is at the sole discretion of this newspaper.

“I agree with Fran of West Chester. I have been reading Original Nick for six months and all he has to say is negative things about Coatesville. He probably goes to bed thinking of negative things.”

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-- Marsha of Oxford

“This is for Arlene Simpson and her letter on Oct. 12 based on her attendance at one West Chester Area School Board meeting on Sept. 24. She bases her opinions on just one meeting, failing to understand the 10-year history of the benefits provided to the teachers. For example, retired pension contributions are up 533.3 percent in just 10 years; the millage in our district is up 57.9 percent in just those 10 years; enrollment is up only 1.7 percent in 10 years yet the number of employees in the district is up 10.3 percent in those same 10 years. We are in the middle of the largest recession since the Great Depression and many of our friends and neighbors are unemployed. We have all had to cut spending, borrowing operating funds and raising taxes just to satisfy whining public employees. Check the facts. These figures are available from the West Chester Area School District.”

-- Richard of West Chester

“In regard to Joe Biden’s rude and arrogant performance in the debate, I could not help but think about the parallel between this administration‘s governing of our nation for the past four years with arrogance and piety and pushing their legislation agenda by any means they can, never willing to listen to all of our people or any other ideas. But then we see a meek president who bows to those who aim to destroy us and our way of life. This election means more to Obama than our Americans in Libya. I am from Delaware and grew up a few miles from the Biden compound, and I mean compound in Greenville, Del., where the DuPonts live. And he tries to pass himself off as Middle Class Joe. Who is he kidding?”

-- Joan of Parkesburg

“I found the vice presidential debate very upsetting. I see Joe Biden as a rude and disrespectful man and this is the vice president who might even become president? God help our country ... I hope this is the end of his term.”

-- Nancy of Coatesville

“I agree with JL of West Bradford. I think Barbara of West Grove misunderstood her. I don’t think JL thought she had the right to get in front of her but we are just talking plain old thoughtfulness. I can’t tell you how many times I have had a full shopping cart, and when the person behind me is stuck in my line holding a couple of items, I let them go ahead. It usaully only adds 30 seconds to my shopping experience. But in your world, Barbara, this is just not done. Well, rightly or wrongly, I was not brought up that way. It’s kind of like holding the door open for someone or letting the car waiting in the side street to get on the main road in a long line of traffic. You flash your lights and let him out in front of you. It is usually very much appreciated. It’s called being considerate. And, I will continue to be that way.”

“The vice president does not have a lot of responsibilities except to wait in the wings and take over the presidency if something happens to the president. The question is basically -- is this man qualified should this case arise? Well, I was shocked at the performance during the vice presidential debate of Joe Biden. He was a loose canon. His mannerisms, his gestures and general demeanor were very unprofessional. He was smirking and laughing while serious issues regarding America’s security were being discussed. He even laughed during the discussion about who was responsible for the Americans being killed at Benghazi. I fear for America if circumstances should arise that Joe Biden should become president. Paul Ryan, on the other hand, was poised, prepared and serious about the issues facing America. I believe Ryan would make a good president if circumstances should arise. If you are considering voting for Obama/Biden, you should consider the consequences for America should Biden, the man of many gaffs, should ever become our president.”

-- Bob of Coatesville

“In original speaking, extemporary speaking, and in declamation, you never smile, laught or giggle and clearly in debating you should never do so as it demeans your credibility. It also insults your opponent. One who does this is condescending, ignorant and the lowest of the low. Joe Biden was a hyena or a donkey. I was insulted by his performance.”

-- BC of Willistown

“Regarding Jerry Sandusky’s sentence, I know a lot of people think he didn’t do it and a lot of people think that he did. As far as for the abuse of children, I was abused when I was a teenager and I am now 65 and I can picture it like it happened yesterday. And the victims will never forget and I pray for Jerry Sandusky to repent and make his peace with God before he does die.”

-- JR of Chadds Ford

“I hope Gov. Romney is OK. I am surprised he does not have whiplash from his move from the right to the center. By next week he will fully support Obamacare. We do not really need an even more conservative Supreme Court and with some of his foreign advisers being the same as under George Bush, I am concerned about what he might do overseas.”